Château de Talcy, Talcy, France

Château de Talcy is a historic palace in Talcy, north of the Loire River. Originating as a 13th-century fortification, it was expanded in the 16th and 17th centuries and modernized in the 18th. Listed as a Historical Monument in 1906, it has been state-owned since 1933 and is open to visitors.

History

First mentioned in 1221, Talcy was owned by the Simon family before being sold in 1517 to Florentine banker Bernard Salviati, who fortified it. His daughter Cassandre inspired poet Pierre de Ronsard, while his granddaughter Diane was the muse of Agrippa d'Aubigné.

The château hosted Catherine de' Medici and Charles IX in 1572, where they allegedly planned the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. It changed hands several times before the Burgeat family modernized it in the 18th century. The Gastebois, Vincens, and Stapfer families, known for their egalitarian beliefs, preserved it during the French Revolution. In 1933, Valentine Stapfer sold it to the state.

Architecture

The château retains a medieval feel, with a fortified central tower (1480) and Renaissance wings (1520s). A fire in 1723 destroyed the west wing, and the interiors were remodeled in the 1780s. Features include a 19th-century well, dovecote, and a Protestant chapel.

Now a museum, the château welcomes 20,000 visitors annually.

User Reviews

Tasnim Shipraa (4 months ago)
Very well preserved and beautiful garden.

Betsy Pinkerton (8 months ago)
A small but a good place to come to plus and some good views from around the garden area and in the place itself, a good place to come to and see when in the local area.

Romain Blanchard (2 years ago)
Amazing château with a rich history and amazingly well preserved portraits and furnishing. Well worth visiting.

Robin Astle (4 years ago)
Small castle but very nicely furnished, gives a good idea of how it used to be. The pigeon tower is the biggest in the area and a nice asset on site to visit. Also the garden is well maintained and offers a nice short walk. Worth visiting when in the neighborhood.

Hadrien Salmon (8 years ago)
Nice gardens, welcoming people, well decorated castle. For a quick visit further from the river.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Zvonimir Hrvoj

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Château de Talcy

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